Blue Scarab Jewelry

Yay! Another item on the FP of Etsy!

2009-08-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Another pair of my earrings hit the Front Page of Etsy in this lovely treasury created by memoworkshop. Check out all of the beautiful Slate Blues:

I am always so thrilled when other Etysians include me in their treasury, and it's fabulous when they hit the front page-YAY!

xoxo,
Amber

My 15 minutes of fame.............

2009-03-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

I woke up to a wonderful surprise, a convo from a fellow JET member telling me I was on the FRONT PAGE of ETSY at 5:14 a.m.! Do you know how exciting that is? I have been waiting and waiting hopelessly for one, just one piece of my jewelry to hit the front page! Here is the screenshot, taken by another fellow JET member:

My Selkhet Earrings are on the top left corner!

I'm happy to say these babies sold as SOON as they hit the front page,
but I have a couple more pair of them made up already to ship out!

xoxo,
Amber

Kiss Me I'm Irish! Some Green JET picks...

2009-03-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

These are a few Green things picked from our JETS(Jewelry on Etsy Team),

and a pair of my earrings were featured-Yay!

Psssst...............they are on CLEARANCE for $10!!!! Click HERE to see them!

A few other Greens in my shop right now for only $10

::s h r u b a g e::

::g o ~ g l o w::

Oh My Blue Sapphire!

2009-03-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

I just LOVE me some Sapphires! I mean I really, really LOVE Sapphires! I would seriously eat them if I could. No, really, I would.

I got this humongous beautiful Sapphire briolette a while back, and I've been waiting for the perfect project to use it up. Well, more like I've been skeered(skeered:scared) to use it(ahem, chicken!). Well I've finally dreamed up the perfect design for it and the other lovely Sapphires I have in my stash, and I'm super excited to get it started! I've taken pictures of the lovely yummies for you to see how gorgeous they are:) I will post about the finished project as well. Have a great weekend all!

Beautiful Blue Sapphires! I'm such a lucky gal :)

How can you NOT want to EAT these??!! I mean seriously! Ugh they are so pretty they make me wanna cry:) Just wait to see what lovely I am making with these beauties! Check back soon to find out.......

xoxo,

Amber

Recent Treasuries on Etsy

2009-03-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have been lucky enough to be included in several Treasuries the past couple weeks on Etsy. This one entitled Born Again YELLOW and BLUE was chosen by cooljewelrydesign, and is super refreshing-LOVE it!

Born Again YELLOW and BLUE
chosen by cooljewelrydesign
Thank you cooljewelrydesign for including my Penelope Earrings!

The aftermath of Oxizidizing

2009-03-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Now the pretties have taken a ride in my tumbler for several hours, and given one last polish for an extra boost of shine. Now they are ready to be listed on Etsy!

xoxo,
Amber

To Oxidize, or not to Oxidize, that is the question!

2009-03-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

So I've oxidized my latest creations, lot's of earrings and a bracelet. Well part of the bracelet. My mother and sister HATE when I do this. They like the beauty and blinginess of polished and SILVER silver. Why even use SILVER when you are going to just make it NOT SILVER???

I get it, but it's like a Jekyl and Hyde thing-an OCD thing-a fight with myself on whether or not I should oxidize a piece. There have been quite a few times where I oxidize something and then as SOON as it drops in the oh-so-stinky LOS(liver of sulfur), I'm kicking myself in the a@#. But, the majority of the times I love the end result:) One day, I promise, I will blog about the processes I use creating different pieces. One day:)

But for now, here are some pictures of the pieces after their Liver of Sulfur bath. They are really black and oxidized good.

Then they get tossed into my tumbler for several hours, and then hand polished up nice and perty. By hand polishing them after the oxidization, it let's me really bring out the areas I want to shine and highlight, which is quite cool. Anywho, I'll be posting finished pics hopefully this week:)

xoxo,
Amber

Sneak Peek..........

2009-02-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peek...........

So I told you I have been crazed with creating lately! This is a sneak peek at another piece from my Luxe Bohemian Collection. It is in the finishing stages, so I still have to finish the clasp, oxidize the focal piece, buff, tumble and polish, then voila! It will be listed in my shop shortly, but here are some pictures to tease just a bit..............

I'm really in LOVE with this one-it will be hard to let go of for sure. Topaz is one of my favorite stones to work with. Aside from it's amazing sparkle, Topaz comes in SOOOO many scrumptious colors and shades it's design possibilities are just endless. In this bracelet I've used gorgeous Sky Blue Topaz faceted ovals, loads of London Blue Topaz rondelles, Sky Blue Topaz full briolettes, London Blue Topaz pear briolettes, and GORGEOUS SPARKLY Champagne Quartz Marquis. MmMmMmMm I'm in L O V E!!!!

I haven't named this lovely yet, so if you have any suggestions I would LOVE to hear them! Leave your suggestions in the comments.............

xoxo,
Amber

B l i s s f u l

2009-02-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

::B l i s s f u l::

These earrings are brand spankin' new, hot off the Blue Scarab bench:)

Flawless Smooth Polished White Topaz briolettes in a generous 15mm size dangle below a sparkling cluster of faceted White Topaz rondelles. Nestled above this cluster of luscious sparkliness is a large and plump Mystic Slate Blue Quartz rondelle. This is such a lovely color and really compliments the White(clear)Topaz. All Sterling Silver as usual:)

These would be superb Bridal Earrings, with a nice hint of "Something Blue". Yummy!

These gorgeous earrings are currently listed in my Etsy shop-just click on the pictures to go!

More to come very soon, maybe today!

xoxo,
~Amber

Luxe Bohemian Collection

2009-02-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am re-introducing a collection I have been dabbling back and forth in called Luxe Bohemian Collection. I started creating these Luxe pieces about a year and a half ago, and although I absolutely LOVED making these elaborate and intricate pieces, I just didn't have the time and energy to put into them. And I knew that I really had to market myself and this collection to gain a following and respect for such work as an artisan, and I am ready to jump in it with full heart now. So I am re-introducing my Luxe Bohemian Collection to you! Enjoy!

Luxe Bohemian Collection

Luxurious.Bohemian.Romantic.You.

Fine Sterling Silver designs dripping in layers of ultra riche, top quality Gemstones. Romantic in Feeling and Luxurious in Looks, this Bohemian collection steps out of the ordinary and into extra-ordinary. Luxe piece featuring an Ornate focal that has been artistically coiled, oxidized, polished and adorned with the finest Gemstones and Silver Beads to create a one of a kind look.

When one chooses the jewelry they wish to adorn themselves with, it should be Beautiful, Unique, and most importantly, You. I believe that ones jewelry tells a story about them. What do you want your jewelry to say?

"I r i s"

::I r i s::

The IRIS necklace is composed of an intricate Sterling Silver focal piece with layers of elegant swirls and coils entwined around the oval base. A single Mystic Topaz briolette hangs above Mystic Topaz rondelles, leading way to the splash of luscious, rainbow hued stones clustered below. Gorgeous Kyanite, more Mystic Blue Topaz, Labradorite, Amazing Songea Sapphires, Fierce and Fiery Labradorites all clustered together above a generous and stunning Pink Amethyst briolette(24mm, 35 carats!). You will find more Mystic Blue Topaz briolettes, Mystic Quartz, Labradorite, Songea Sapphires briolettes interspersed with large nuggets of the sparkliest faceted Pink Amethyst and smooth, ultra watery Pink Amethyst ovals as well. This is a necklace fit for any goddess! Enjoy:)

Measures 30 inches including gorgeous focal pendant. May be oxidized upon request.

::I r i s::

Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, the messenger of the Olypmian Gods. Iris was a goddess of sea and sky--her father Thaumas "the wondrous" was a marine-god, and her mother Elektra "the amber" a cloud-nymph. For the coastal-dwelling Greeks, the rainbow's arc was most often seen spanning the distance beteween cloud and sea, and so the goddess was believed to replenish the rain-clouds with water from the sea.

Be sure to check back often as I am adding new pieces and their stories weekly! Thank you:)

~Amber

Noblesville Garden Tour show!

2008-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

So thanks a zillion to Greg Knipe, aka Retrogee, for sending me an invite to this show, because it was flippin' awesome! First of all, the weather actually behaved for us, which is amazing considering the crazy weather we've had here in Indiana the past weeks.

My day started at 5:30am, with me running around the house in a frantic mess(this is not unusual haha!). But being that I didn't get but maybe 1 hour of sleep the night before, my brain wasn't doing what I was telling it to, so I was a real M E S S. Tore up my studio looking for some last minute things to pack up and that one thing I was SURE I would forget, but didn't exactly know what it was yet-fun stuff.

We finally arrived at our beautiful Garden to set up, after being lost for an hour(ahem, in my defense, my hubby was holding the map-not at fault here!). And after I setup my table so nice and perty, I attempted to help Adam put up the Shade Canopy-that was a sight I'm sure! Every friggin' time we got one pole in the right hole, another one popped out. Arghh! It was SO frustrating! Then I look at the box again and it reads "E-Z up Canopy"...........Yeah RIGHT! There was nothing E-Z up about that thing! So after struggling for close to 30 minutes, our neighbor vendor gave us a hand. With us 3 and a lot of duct tape we finally got it up!!! And boy was it nice-couldn't imagine setting up with out it!

Our garden was the 9th and last on the Tour, so I think a lot of people were just kinda ready to go by the time they got to our section. We didn't have a ton of traffic, if I had to guess, I'd say maybe roughly 100 people came by? And maybe 1/3 of them didn't even walk by my booth(I was on the very right end). So given that, I still did quite well. I made a lot of contacts, handed out lot's of business cards, made some decent sales, got some custom orders from some wonderful ladies, and I was also invited to setup at a Holiday Bazaar this November. So all in all, I am very happy I did this show-definitely a success! I will certainly be doing this one again next year!

Me and my booth at the Noblesville Garden Tour show

Indiana Flood of 2008

2008-06-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

This past week we have endured some of the scariest weather I have ever personally seen in my life! Luckily, there have been no fatalities reported, but many families have lost their homes and belongings. Words cannot express how they must feel right now, other than lucky to be alive. Our house wasn't damaged, although the water crept into our backyard, covered our streets, and damaged many surrounding homes, parks, and businesses. This was very sad to watch :( I am posting pictures of the local damage we saw.

Visit me at the Noblesville Tour of the Gardens Sat. June 14th!

2008-06-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

I will be doing my first show of the year (thanks to retrogee.etsy.com for the invite!)this coming Saturday, June 14th at the Noblesville Tour of the Gardens! There will be food and music, as well as lots of talented artists-I mean come on, what more could you ask for?!

Here is some info copied from the website, http://www.noblesvillepreservation.com/

Event:	2008 Noblesville Tour of Gardens
When:	Jun 14 2008 10:00 AM to Jun 14 2008 5:00 PM
Where:	Northern Noblesville Noblesville, IN
	The 3rd annual Noblesville Tour of Gardens is Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (rain or shine), and will take visitors “beyond the garden gate” into eight of Noblesville’s most beautiful gardens. (Descriptions appear below.) This year’s tour ranges from an intimate shade garden to an 8-acre pastoral spread. Tucked among the blooms and fronds will be artwork, live music and gardening presentations. In addition, one Noblesville home will open up its restored bicycle and tractor collections to visitors, and serve up grilled brats and refreshments. Tickets Ticket price is $12 (children ages 12 and under are free). Advance tickets are available at the following locations: Marsh Supermarket Noblesville stores 17901 River Avenue 14450 Mundy Drive 1930 East Conner Street Noble Coffee and Tea Company 933 Logan Street A Corner Cottage 895 Connor Street Harbour Trees Golf Club 333 Regents Park Lane (tour start) Buy tickets, pick up a tour map, learn more about the Noblesville Preservation Alliance and visit with vendors. Restrooms available. Featured Gardens Michael and Jennifer Wiese 111 Harbour Trees Lane Wend along this gated garden’s stone paths among raised beds in square and geometric patterns. This garden is created to stimulate all five senses, with an Italian cherub fountain as its centerpiece, a nearby Victorian-style potting shed and a variety of perennials, herbs, vegetables and wildflowers. Mel and Norma Minion 219 Cheshire Circle On an inlet of Morse Lake, this home features a hidden shade garden in the back and a mix of perennials and annuals in the front plantings. Enjoy geraniums, Japanese iris, sweet bay magnolia, coreopsis, lady’s mantle and oak leaf hydrangea. Ken and Brenda Erickson 507 Wexford Court Thick with mature trees, this garden adjacent to Morse Lake accommodates filtered light and shade with hydrangeas, hostas, dogwoods, vinca and ferns. Carl and Inge Reichwein 548 Banbury Road This well-established lakefront garden features a variety of annuals and perennials including rose bushes, lilies and much more. Tom and Kay Alford 2101 North Harbour Drive More than 40 rose plants, most of them tea roses, are the highlight of this home. In addition are a butterfly garden with flowering perennials, hydrangeas, hostas and hanging plants to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Charlie and Ann Kesmodel 7002 Oakbay Circle Three Beeches, named for the trio of stately old trees that anchor the gardens, is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat, providing the four basic habitat elements for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover and places to raise young. A perennial garden, kitchen garden, woodland garden and two water features add to the enjoyment. Drew and Charlene Davis 7004 Oakbay Circle Find a collection of verdant hostas, twisting ivy, towering trees and a variety of colorful annuals at this beautiful garden. Glen and Patricia Schwartz 21989 Schulley Road Our most unique garden, this 8.5-acre estate includes flora and many other attractions. Marvel at arbavida animal topiaries (some as tall as 6 feet), vegetable gardens, an orchard, dozens of hanging baskets and a variety of beautiful flowers. Enjoy artists, sculptors, face painting, grilled bratwurst and drinks. See restored automobiles, tractors and bicycles, and a putting green. Restrooms available.

I will be offering 10% off your purchase just for visiting me at this event AND online, but you must mention my blog :) Thanks!

Ambers Secret Window

2008-02-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

My Secret Window-how I created it!

So I have just finished making a necklace I named "Secret Window." It all began when I awoke in the middle of the night last Monday. I had a very odd dream about one of my favorite childhood books called "The Secret Door". The illustrations in this book are just amazing and vivid, with these surreal creatures and this nasty "monster", and in the book, the girl stumbled upon this secret door that led to this secret world with these creatures. Well in my dream, it was like I was walking through this "secret forest", trying to get away from these creatures, like I was desperately trying to find something. This was one of those dreams that felt very real. So I was hurrying through this creepy forest, and I came upon a house-old and decrepit, large and very ornamental with moldings and sconces and statues and a fountain. I quietly crept up to the house, slowly, a little worried of what I might find inside. I approached a window-all moss and vine covered, barely even visible-and peeked inside. And what I saw inside was so beautiful it left me speechless and struck. Lush green vines grew up the walls onto the ceilings. The floor wasn't a floor-it was a bed of flowers that glistened with sweet dew. Purples and Pinks, light blues and deep greens. A whole thriving wonderland of flowers. But then I saw the most amazing thing-little fairies and dragonflies-flittering about the room! Like they were talking to eachother!Hundreds of them, just flitting about, in this world inside this room! I couldn't believe my eyes! And all of this seemed so utterly real, I cannot explain how true this dream felt!

Sooooooo, sometime after discovering this room in this house through this secret little window, I woke up. It was about 2am, and I could not fall back asleep. I had this vivid surreal picture of me peering inside that window and all of the gorgeous glistening colors and little faery friends and dragonflies living about. So I started forming my own window from Sterling Silver, and coiled-coiled-coiled, strung some sparkly stones, and before I knew it I had my own little Secret Window! I didn't even really think about what I was making, it just kinda happened! I couldn't be happier with the end result. Then I had to get online and google that book so I could purchase it again and have it forever!